Always start with the choice of a CPU first because that would determine other components. For example, let's say I want want to use AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X as the CPU, all I need to do is to refer to its specification to know what other componets will be compatible.
With the specification, we can tell that this CPU is only compatible with DDR4 RAM (up to 4 slots) and PCIe 4.0 Graphic Card. So, I'd probably get 8 DDR4 RAM (any brand should be fine) and a RTX3080Ti GPU if there is no budget limit.
Next, since we have chosen the CPU, RAM and GPU, we can now choose a motherboard based on these choices. In other words, all we need to do is look for a motherboard that is compatible with our choice of CPU, GPU and RAM.
Then, I'll look for a cooler for the CPU because the stock cooler usually isn't good enough if I want to overclock the CPU.
Next, I would choose a power supply unit (PSU) that can provide enough power for the GPU that I have selected and compatible with the motherboard.
Next, I'd decide what data storage to use for this custom built pc. I highly recommend at least one PCIe 4. 0 SSD as a boot drive and one standard SATA Hard Disk to store all data. I'll also add in a SATA DVD drive. SATA connectivity is pretty standard for storage drives, so they should all be compatible.
Okay, let's breakdown the cost (without any peripherals such as keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc):
- CPU AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper 3990X ($5546.20)
- GPU Gigabyte AORUS MASTER GeForce RTX 3080 Ti ($3049.03)
- Motherboard MSI Creator TRX40 ($1359.99)
- Memory Corsair Dominator Platinum 128 GB (8 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($3998)
- Storage Samsung 960 Pro 2TB ($1999.99)
- Cooler NZXT Kraken X72 Liquid CPU Cooler ($479.90)
- Case Phanteks Enthoo Elite ATX Full Tower ($915.98)
- Power Supply Corsair AXi ($787.99)
- Operating System Windows 10 Pro ($199.99)
The total cost would be around $18,283.50
How does it compare to a similar computer purchased? With these choices, there isn't any similar pre-built computer by other brands such as Dell or HP because this pc is VERY powerful and highly customizable. The key difference is probably the lack of after-sales customer service if you buy components separately from different stores.
